Controversial incumbent, two newcomers win Sausalito council race

Controversial incumbent Councilwoman Linda Pfeifer held on to her seat and will be joined by Ray Withy and Thomas Theodores on the Sausalito City Council.

The makeup of the council will undergo a major change with two new faces on the panel. Withy had 1,408 votes or 21 percent of the vote, Pfeifer 1,193 or 19 percent and Theodores 1,077 or 17 percent of ballots cast.

"I ran a positive campaign and I'm honored to be re-elected," Pfeifer said. "I'm grateful the people of Sausalito validated my platform."

Challengers Vicki Nichols, Don Olsen and Michael Sobel fell short. In Nichols' case, the final result put her 30 votes behind Theodores. Ann Mantranga appeared on the ballot, but had dropped out of the race.

Council members Mike Kelly and Carolyn Ford, two incumbents whose terms are ending, aren't seeking re-election.

There has been a sharp divide on the council in recent years as members orally — and in one case physically — have gone after each other.

It was Kelly who slapped Ford's hand during a heated session last year, an incident incumbent Pfeifer spoke out against. Kelly later apologized. But fellow council members have accused Pfeifer of being divisive, a charge she denies, saying she is an independent thinker.

Pfeifer, 52, who has pushed the council to be more transparent and helped force the disclosure of council votes of the attempted purchase of a private parcel in 2009, said during the campaign she will stay focused on the issue if re-elected.

Theodores, a retired corporate lawyer, said there needs to be better communication on the council.

Theodores, 62, said during his run that the city is in good shape financially and has been managed well, something he would continue if elected.

Withy, 57, a biotech industry consultant, said during his campaign he wants to preserve the city's quality of life and its historic legacy, without hurting its economic vitality.